Building a Cigar Box Guitar 101

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Building a Cigar Box Guitar 101

This group is for discussing the basics of CBG building for newer builders - where to start, what to do, common pitfalls, tips and techniques.

Keep in mind that new builders can find other great informative articles on CBG building, as well as most of the parts you'll need, over at C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply!

Members: 1746
Latest Activity: Mar 20

Discussion Forum

Cutting deep boxes in half

Started by Justin Stanchfield. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 20. 9 Replies

Attention 1st time builders!

Started by BrianQ.. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 27. 2 Replies

Brickhouse CBG Wiring

Started by Ian Boyd. Last reply by Ian Boyd Dec 11, 2023. 1 Reply

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Comment by Arjen on November 27, 2009 at 10:16am
Hi Jarmo Katajisto, thanks for your comment. I was thinking to make the neck slightly thicker than the box. I wanted to make it a three string.
Comment by Joe Scislowicz on November 27, 2009 at 3:39am
Just posted some pictures of my Corojo four string Dulcimer. Check it out.
Comment by Jarmo Katajisto on November 26, 2009 at 9:52pm
Hi Arjen. Box size looks good except that 2,5 cm thick might be a problem when you make a neck. But i believe at you can solve it.

I suppose at 3-string CBG is good for that box, neck can be little thinner, because there is less string tension to neck.

Let´s waiting, what others says.
Comment by Arjen on November 26, 2009 at 1:43pm
Hi, I'm trying to build my first cbg.
Does anyone have experience with flat boxes? I just got a wooden pencil box, 28cm X 20cm X 2.5cm and wanted to look if i could make something nice of it.
If anyone has some idea's or hints? I would be very thankfull!

Regards from Holland,
Arjen
Comment by Dave V on November 10, 2009 at 5:33am
I made a CB Ukulele out of a 5 Vegas box which has the curves very much like your Charatan box. It looks like the side to side dimensions are a bit short, so you might just consider going across the flats.

Unless you're doing a through-neck, consider bracing the corner joints. Mine was just glued flush with a rubbery cement and started "creeping" as soon as tension was applied.
Comment by Tres Seaver on November 10, 2009 at 4:42am
Thomas, I wouldn't write off the bigger box as a CBG candidate: the depth of the box can make for "big" acoustic sound. The curved sides are a challenge, but you should be able to run the neck through the squared sides (assuming a through-neck build).
Comment by Dave V on November 1, 2009 at 7:07am
It almost sounds like your wires are reversed. The hot side of the pickup to ground and ground wire to the input. It should buzz when you touch the end of the jack, not the other way around. If the cold solder thing doesn't fix it, I'd swap wires and see what happens.
Comment by Tres Seaver on November 1, 2009 at 7:03am
> Any ideas why this piezo would hum?

In my experisnce, such a hum is probably due to a a "cold" solder joint, likely one of the two where you soldered the pickup wires to the jack. Check the ground wire (the black one) first, especially if the hot side is delivering signal to your amp.
Comment by Hamhock on November 1, 2009 at 2:39am
I have a Crocker Tesla Piezo that i am getting a hum from. I'm hoping someone can assist me in locating the problem. I've changed cords so i've eliminated that. If i touch the jack end with my finger, the hum goes away. I know nothing about electronics, I am not aware that a piezo would need to be grounded,,,but i dont know for sure. Any ideas why this piezo would hum?
thanks,
Ham
Comment by Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates on October 30, 2009 at 1:07am
Travis wrote:

Any suggestions on an "Ideal" box size to get the fullest sound?? Most of the boxes I have found are smaller than what I see on this site, at least it appears so.


Well, I think there is a discussion currently on about this, and I would refer you to that, but I have found boxes such as Arturo Fuente Churchill size to be a good size. This is about average and of course there is no definitive or optimal size. In fact there are many factors that determine quality of sound: box size, construction, finish/coating, wood type, wood thickness and of course, your own skills. So to say what might be best... kinda like saying what meat is best for a stew? If I can't cook worth a darn, Kobe beef is not going to matter.
 

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Discussion Forum

Cutting deep boxes in half

Started by Justin Stanchfield. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 20. 9 Replies

Attention 1st time builders!

Started by BrianQ.. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 27. 2 Replies

Brickhouse CBG Wiring

Started by Ian Boyd. Last reply by Ian Boyd Dec 11, 2023. 1 Reply

Fretless fret markers

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canjo building and tuning

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Minimum tools needed

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High G problem

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Taffy Evans Nov 3, 2022. 4 Replies

Doubling the high string

Started by Robert Killen. Last reply by Paul Craig Oct 14, 2022. 23 Replies

Aluminum License Plate

Started by Larry Sobol. Last reply by Larry Sobol Oct 1, 2022. 6 Replies

C. B. Gifty three string fretless kits.

Started by jon neet. Last reply by Taffy Evans Aug 16, 2022. 6 Replies

Frettin' and stainin'

Started by Doug Laffin. Last reply by Order99 Aug 11, 2022. 4 Replies

Bolt on neck to a set neck body?

Started by Paul Craig. Last reply by Paul Craig Jul 17, 2022. 14 Replies

Locations

Started by Roy Smith. Last reply by the anonymous pick May 15, 2022. 2 Replies

Help please re Bento Box Uke "nut"

Started by Al Lobe. Last reply by BrianQ. May 10, 2022. 18 Replies

Clarification on pick ups

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Taffy Evans May 6, 2022. 5 Replies

Licence plate cbg

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Michael Myers May 2, 2022. 5 Replies

Builder's Tips

Started by Wichita Sam. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 23, 2022. 2 Replies

Getting there but needing advice/help please.

Started by Lionhound. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 18, 2022. 8 Replies

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